Kochs fire back at Harry Reid

The Koch brothers are firing back at Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid for his broadside on their political activities, with a spokesman calling Reid’s comments “beneath the office he holds.”

After Reid on Thursday accused the billionaires Charles and David Koch of trying to “buy the country,” a top aide for the brothers said Reid’s remarks were simply the latest efforts by Democrats “to try to intimidate and silence their political opponents.”

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“Senator Reid falsely accused the Kochs of trying to ‘buy the country’ because they have exercised their First Amendment rights of free speech and free association,” said Koch Companies Public Sector President Philip Ellender. “Sen. Reid’s divisive remarks were not only disrespectful and beneath the office he holds, they were indicative of what lengths he and his Democratic allies will go to eliminate and silence their political opposition.”

Reid’s off-the-cuff remarks were prompted by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who on the Senate floor sharply criticized President Barack Obama’s administration for proposing tighter restrictions on nonprofits that engage in political activities. Ellender praised McConnell for his “great courage” in taking on Democrats over the issue.

Senate Democrats’ campaign arm has increasingly referred to the Kochs’ influence in its fundraising solicitations, alleging that the brothers are behind “disgusting” attacks on vulnerable incumbent Democrats. It appears that Democrats will have plenty more opportunities to raise the Kochs as a boogeyman, as Ellender indicated their activities won’t slow during the 2014 midterm elections.

“Charles Koch and David Koch will continue to exercise their First Amendment rights to advocate for their fundamental beliefs in individual liberty, limited government, and promotion of policies that help people improve their lives,” Ellender said.